I would like to go to some nice restaurants while in NY alone. Do I need to make reservations for one? I plan on eating at the unfashionable early hours, I guess 5:30 or so, so I was hoping I could just show up at these places. Nobu comes to mind as one I am shooting for.
thanks!

Yes. Make the reservation because a single usually ends up eatting at a table for two. There are plenty of places that have eatting bars. Try Trattoria Dell"Arte. The best antipasto bar in the city.

At "nice" places where you'll need a table, then yes, I would call for a reservation. At Nobu, you can eat at the sushi bar - which they do not take reservations for - it's first come/first served... being at 5:30, you should have no trouble getting a spot at the bar there, or waiting a short time for one.

Great, thanks! I was hoping most places had a bar that I could eat at. Thanks for the bit about Nobu, that's the only one that is a "must" so far.

Gramercy Tavern is another great restaurant with a more casual dining area in the front by the bar (more formal in the back). Always a lively bar scene at happy hour, but never too crowded to get a table or bar stool. Eating at the bar there is fun because the people around you are usually friendly. The atmosphere I suppose. Two other terrific bars for eating at are Bread Bar at Tabla and Rue 57. Have fun Angie!

fyi... Gramercy Tavern, which I highly recommend, is closed for renovations until mid September.

I was planning on trying the Gramercy Tavern so I called. They are closed until Sept 10th and I am going the week of the 14th so I'll be ok...whew!
Any other suggestions on good bars/dinners for one?
thanks!

Babbo at the bar; Lupa;

Just call ahead - most restaurants at 5:30 will be very happy to accommodate you.

Have fun.

For simple but extremely fresh seafood, try Pearl Oyster Bar (18 Cornelia St. between Bleecker & West 4th) or Mary's Fish Camp (64 Charles St. at West 4th). Both places are so tiny you wouldn't want to go with more than 2 people. Pearl opens at 6; I believe Mary's opens at 5. Get there right at opening and you'll have no trouble getting a seat at the counter.

Rue 57, Balthazar, Nobu, Craft, and Scopa.